Page 14: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (February 2019)

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INSIGHTS: FERRY BUSINESS

Mike Corrigan

A former energy industry executive, Mike Corrigan has been CEO of Interferry since April 2017. Previously he spent 14 years in lead- ership positions at BC Ferries - one of the world’s largest ferry operators - in his native Canada, the last fve as president and CEO.

A Sustainable Future

Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan explains how the global trade association’s networking and lobbying support has helped position the ferry industry as a visionary force in the ever-changing world of shipping

A packed house at a recent

Interferry conference.

n every walk of modern life, the the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, which relentless pace of change serves supports safety-enhancing education and as a reminder that ‘necessity is the research in transport and engineering. In

Imother of invention’. Faced with January, we were delighted to win Foun- a constant tide of commercial, techni- dation funding to study the dramatic cal and regulatory pressures, the ferry improvement in Philippines ferry safety industry typifes this motivational spirit. over the past decade. The project is de-

Furthermore, it is leading by example in signed to help other developing nations taking a proactive rather than purely re- by producing a ‘lessons learned’ report.

Image courtesy Interferry active stance in order to stay ahead of the Committee members have already ft-for-purpose game. requirements and positively shape the national Maritime Organization (IMO). taken part in various safety summits

Ferry companies are increasingly market by introducing new products - Over the years, Interferry has devel- in Asia. The latest of these took place emerging as the trendsetters on issues not only extending their A to B transport oped a crucial lobbying mission, notably in China in November. The following relevant to the entire shipping world. ofering, but also providing a genuine through consultative status at the IMO. month, China persuaded the IMO to

By anticipating and not just respond- leisure experience both onboard and As such, we have the vital ability to consider launching a widespread study ing to the need for change, they have a through extensive excursion, mini-cruise help shape – not simply respond to – the of domestic passenger vessel safety after long-term mindset that views challenges and vacation programs. The resulting IMO’s safety and environmental regula- citing Interferry’s long-established inter- not merely as potential problems but as consumer demand, coupled with the f- tions. Similar access to national authori- est in the subject.

future-proofng opportunities. nancial and regulatory compulsion for ties also gives us major input on these Elsewhere, Interferry is closely in-

Many of Interferry’s members – more ultra-efcient vessel performance, has and other key issues such as security. volved in European Maritime Safety than 240 operators and suppliers in 37 prompted a notable boost in newbuild Safety, security and the environment Agency studies on fre protection, ini- countries – are in the vanguard of op- orders, with the latest ferries setting an are at the core of our activity, which is tially focused on vehicle deck electrical erational and technological innovations. industry-leading benchmark in ship de- largely conducted through specially- connections and detection/extinguishing

The roots of the operators’ progressive sign and operation. formed committees. The past year or systems. We have voiced concerns over outlook can be traced in part to a long so has seen particular progress in these certain proposals that might suit new- track record of overcoming major com- The role of Interferry areas, which we believe will beneft not builds but seem less practicable for ret- mercial threats such as competition from With U.S. origins dating from 1976, only our members but the shipping in- roftting on existing ships. Findings will budget airlines or fxed-link bridges and Interferry is the only association repre- dustry and society at large. be presented at the IMO later this year.

tunnels. Added to the imperative to senting the ferry community worldwide The most recent example relates to In another highly topical initiative, In- foresee shifts in market forces, an ever- and is now recognized as the industry’s our Domestic Ferry Safety Committee, terferry has formed a knowledge-sharing changing political and regulatory regime global voice. The founding aim of net- formed to help reduce an estimated toll security committee. Comprised of spe- has imposed huge demands regarding working is epitomized by our annual of at least 1,200 deaths per year in de- cialists from 12 operators, the members the efciency and safety of vessels. October conferences, which attract hun- veloping nations. Two-thirds of these have concluded that security should be

The most forward-looking operators dreds of delegates at venues all over the fatalities stem from seven countries, tailored to the varying needs of specifc constantly plan for such factors afect- world. The 2018 conference – our 43rd topped by the Philippines, Bangladesh operators and routes, rather than adopt- ing their business climate and invest in – was held in Cancun, Mexico, and this and Indonesia. having identifed driv- ing blanket measures. Guidance on solutions that will protect and grow their year we are heading to London, which is ers for change, the committee was ‘possible measures’ is now being devel- viability way into the future. At custom- very familiar to us as home of the all-im- tasked with fnding potential collabora- oped to help operators identify appropri- er-facing level, they research evolving portant United Nations agency the Inter- tors and sought a grant from Uk charity ate solutions. 14 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • FEBRUARY 2019